Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

Planning and Organisational Duties

• To be responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of Podiatric care to patients with a variety of medical and Podiatric problems.
• To hold a high risk clinic and high risk domiciliary caseload, working at all times unsupervised and in line with departmental, professional and Trust protocols.
• To undertake specialist Podiatry assessment and wound care clinics following the Diabetes foot care pathway
• To undertake complex biomechanical assessments and reviews, prescribing appropriate orthotics where indicated
• To provide a comprehensive podiatry service to people with diabetes and high risk conditions including initial assessments, treatment/care planning, preventative, palliative, surgical and corrective care supported by appropriate health education, reviewing and evaluating care plans as necessary.
• To deliver specific foot care education and advice to patients, relatives and carers.
• To carry out annual Diabetes assessments in all clinics.
• To refer on to other health care professionals when appropriate through agreed pathways, e.g. referrals to podiatry assistant, biomechanics service, A&E and secondary care.
• To carry out nail surgery procedures.
• To have the capability to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation including the drawing up and administration of adrenalin for anaphylactic shock, if required.
• To carry out biomechanical assessments.
• To manufacture and fit chair side appliances e.g. insoles and silicone devices.
• To follow departmental and Trust policies. To assist in the development and implementation of procedures and guidelines.  To follow clinical guidelines but have the discretion to make own clinical diagnosis and decisions within professional boundaries where appropriate.
• To be responsible for the maintenance, rotation and ordering of clinical stock.
• To carry out clerical duties when necessary.
• To carry out other duties as required in line with role banding
• To audit and research areas of diabetes/high risk service in both primary and secondary care as and when required for both Care pathway work and Trust agendas.

Communications and Key Working Relationships

• To work, communicate, and liaise closely with others in the diabetes/high risk multidisciplinary teams to provide seamless and timely interventions for high-risk patients.
• To provide podiatric health education and health promotion including individual foot health advice to patients/clients, providing advice on specialisms e.g. diabetes where necessary.
• To lead and participate in group presentations and multi professional training relating to Diabetes care.
• To effectively communicate with patients complex information such as assessment outcomes and treatment plans with whom understanding may be difficult because of barriers such as old age, infirmity, hearing loss and learning difficulties.
• Using the spoken and written word and being sensitive to those who are vulnerable or do not have English as their first language.
• Assisting in the establishment of communication systems with all staff, patients and relatives to promote understanding and good will.
• To influence and prioritise the development of knowledge, ideas and work practice in self and others.
• To encourage others to see advice and solutions to problems.
• Communicate in a manner that is consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
• Maintaining consistency within standards of patient care.
• Knowledge of medical terminology systems.
• To provide and ensure understanding of appropriate health education and clinical information to patients and carers.
• To liaise effectively with colleagues, other Health Care Professionals and patients, in order to optimise patient care and promote the reputation of the department. This may involve: requesting, receiving and sharing diagnostic tests and results, clinical reports/letters, clinical arrangements, onward referral and professional advice.
• To maintain accurate treatment records (paper and/or electronic) of all patient consultations and related work carried out at each clinical session.
• Provide statistical information as required, e.g. Contact figures/DNA rates.
• To attend and actively contribute to departmental meetings.
• To ensure that all information relating to clients and staff gained through employment is kept confidential.

Responsibility for Finance

• To be responsible for monitoring stock and the security of that stock. Maintenance of clinical equipment and the reporting of any faults to the appropriate department.
• Promote effective utilisation of resources

Responsibility for Human Resources

• To delegate appropriate work to, and supervise the podiatry technicians and band 5 staff.
• To be actively involved in the recruitment and selection of lower grade staff when necessary.
• To participate in the staff appraisal scheme and fulfil appropriate KSF dimensions as identified.
• To comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures.
• To maintain own professional development by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments, and incorporate them as necessary into your work.
• Ensure compliance with the Mandatory Training Policy in accordance with Trust Policy.

Responsibility for Health & Safety

Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. 

Responsibility for Teaching & Learning

• To maintain Registration with Health Professional Council (HCPC)
• To work with the HCPC Code of Conduct, Trust policies and procedures, and adhere to the Patient’s Charter.
• Actively participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to develop new skills and maintain and update existing skills.
• To participate in Individual Performance Reviews with the Clinical Supervisor